Myrtus communis aka Myrtle

Taxonomy

Genus Myrtus Family Myrtaceae Order Myrtales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Myrtus communis, or the common myrtle, is a versatile and beautiful evergreen shrub that is native to southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Macaronesia, and the Indian Subcontinent. It is also cultivated worldwide and can live up to 300 years in the wild. With its dense top, dark green leathery leaves, and white five-petaled flowers with many stamens, it has been used symbolically and ritually for thousands of years to represent honor, justice, prosperity, generosity, hope, love, and happiness. In Greco-Roman mythology, numerous gods were associated with the common myrtle and its flowers, such as Aphrodite and Demeter. Common myrtle is also a key part of various Jewish traditions and is one of the four species used in the festival of Sukkot, and the Bible records its use in purification ceremonies. During the Renaissance, it came to be best known as a symbol of love, which led to the ongoing tradition of the flower as part of the wedding bouquet. This low-maintenance shrub can be shaped and molded as desired and can be used for fences or ornamental gardens. It is fast-growing at the beginning of its life and will slow down after a few years. Its leaves can be crushed for a fragrant essential oil, and it has medicinal and culinary applications. The berries that follow the flowers are edible, and when dried, they are used as a food flavoring. Oils obtained from the bark, flowers, and leaves are used in skin care products. Common myrtle's white flowers have a long tradition of walking brides down the aisle and continue to bring joy and beauty to gardens worldwide.

Common names

Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Greek Myrtle, True Myrtle

How to care for Myrtle

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Myrtle will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Myrtle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Myrtle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Myrtle prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Myrtle plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Myrtle has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Myrtle’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Myrtus Genus

Myrtus Myrtle